Transforming and creating a modern Guyana one project at a time

“THE Project is very great for Region Two. With Supenaam, as the entry of Region Two, I can tell you that it is a big plus for the Government. I am so anxious and happy about this project,” exclaims Ms. Beatrice Mittelholzer as her face lights up with a broad smile.

She is just one of the many residents of Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), who are eagerly awaiting the completion of the Supenaam Waterfront Enhancement Project, a whopping $143 million undertaking which is being done through a collaboration between Central Government and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

In this week’s Government in Action, we will take a look at the multimillion-dollar project and how it will significantly enhance not only the landscape of the region but also augment the livelihoods of speedboat operators, vendors, visitors and travellers.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
In order for residents to function effectively in their communities, it is important that each community is equipped with basic services. These services include the required infrastructure to provide ease of access to and from the communities as well as access to health, education and other facilities that aid in improving quality of life.

In three years, the coalition government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on infrastructural development in order to provide equal access. While resources are limited, the Government has committed itself to improving the infrastructural landscape of the country through the development of a world-class road, river and air network to spur economic activity. Included in this grand scheme, is the Supenaam Waterfront Project.

President David Granger has repeatedly said his Government is serious about the development of all regions in Guyana, whether hinterland or coastland and will ensure that all Guyanese are able to benefit from projects, programmes and services, which can improve their lives. The President said that already, the groundwork is being laid to ensure that inequalities in public education, incomes, public infrastructure and access to public services between hinterland communities and the rest of the country are eliminated.

At the commissioning of a new bridge in Ykinipa, Pomeroon-Supenaam on December 17, 2017, the President said no village or resident, regardless of geographic location, would be left behind under this administration.

“I am President of all Guyana. I know what you need and as long as God gives me the strength, I will ensure that I deliver what you need. Every Guyanese must have access to public services. I don’t believe in bush. I believe in people and whether you are living in Akawini or Orealla or Kwakwani, you deserve access to public services. As far as President Granger is concerned, I treat all citizens equal,” he said.

The President has said that ensuring that residents have access to these facilities is part of ensuring that Guyanese enjoy the good life.

TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT
The project commenced in April 2018 with an expected completion date of March 2019. Senior Engineer of the River and Sea Defences Department of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr. Jermaine Braithwaite explained that the project has two major components.

“The first is the flood protection infrastructure aspect, which will address the river defence along that section along the mouth of the Essequibo River and which the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had initially envisaged would be implemented. There is also a waterfront enhancement aspect that will see improvement of the waterfront at the project location.

It will address matters such as improving the boat landing facility; organised vending units will be put in place, a waterfront promenade will be constructed, there will additional amenities that will benefit the general public such as lighting and seating. We have also included in the scope of works, a sanitary block because we felt that there needed to be some improved facility for use to that effect and a number of other amenities that are really geared to providing a more comfortable experience for the public,” he said.

Mr. Braithwaite said that while the Ministry would have initially focused on the river and sea defence aspect, collaboration was realised with the Ministry of Communities to fund the waterfront phase.

“So, what we really have is a consolidated project that would address flood protection, but at the same time put in place a number of structural elements and amenities to improve the waterfront at the Supernaam River,” he said.

With regard to flood protection, the Senior Engineer said that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has, for some time, been monitoring the Supenaam River mouth in terms of flood defence. While there has not been a major issue there, for the most part, it was recognised that there is a section that was under-protected with inadequate revetment in place. The Ministry, therefore, thought it best to reinforce the structure, while at the same time planning and catering for chances of increased sea levels.

“Where the enhancement part was concerned, many would know that the boat landing facilities at Supenaam itself were inadequate. For example, there was no arrangement or facility there for passengers seating, for them to be covered from the elements, the ramp itself that was there for the speedboats deteriorated substantially. We looked at vending and having that better organised, we considered the matter of parking, because there are a number of taxis and minibus operators who would function in the area, provide transportation for those who are travelling along the Essequibo Coast but even the matter of parking of their vehicles was one that was not well organised. There was an opportunity also to address that. The general waterfront space too by itself had potential for recreation and so we considered that as another thing that we could take advantage of,” he said.

While the project was initially expected to be completed this month, it has been pushed back to March 2019. Mr. Braithwaite explained that there were numerous challenges that had to be overcome and justifiable extensions, which had to be given to the contractor.

“Our deadline is currently based on arrangements with the contractor and their pace of working…Certain adjustments that had to be made would have been [done at] the end of January but we have recognised that there are additional setbacks and it is likely that actual completion will be…by the end of March when we will see substantial completion of all these facilities,” he said.

With the Public Infrastructure Ministry plugging $109,802,444 into the project to take care of the river and sea defence aspect, the Ministry of Communities under the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has committed $34,070,000, which will primarily address the installation of vending units and other matters of enhancing the aesthetics of the area.

‘A GOOD THING FOR THE REGION’
Newly installed Regional Executive Officer of the Pomeroon-Supenaam, Mr. Denis Jaikaran, in an interview with the Public Information and Press Service Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency said that the entire region is pleased to see the development that is taking place. He said that the coalition, during its 2015 elections campaign had promised a better quality of life and it is now being realised.

“One of them would have been to really and truly enhance Pomeroon-Supenaam. And why is it that we are enhancing Supenaam? When you come from any other region, once you come by speedboat, the first landing to meet would be at the Supenaam Creek,” he said.

The project will see 12 vending units installed, each divided into two, bringing it to a total of 24 available spaces. There are an additional four units that would be constructed in different designs to house an information centre for tourists and other businesses such as salons and barbershops. Mr. Jaikaran said that this aspect of the project will significantly bring order to vending while enhancing the aesthetics of the area.

“What previously obtained in this area is that the persons here were in shabby looking shacks and that is not the presentation that this Government wants and so what we are making, are structures to benefit the vendors who are here. So, people are not only going to be comfortable, but it is also going to send the message that Region Two – we are prepared for tourism,” he said.

Vendor, Ms. Anisa Thomas said she is pleased that consideration has been given for the installation of vending units as it will bring tremendous benefits to all vendors.

“I welcome this project. I am glad to see the waterfront in front here getting a great improvement. For me, getting more tourists to come here would mean more business for me. My business would be able to expand, I would be in a better stall and a more equipped part to work and handle myself as well as where customers could come and sit down, relax and enjoy. Besides the stand, we will also have seats at the Waterfront so that they can come and get a good view so instead of them coming and rushing through, we can get them to spend more time with us here and it’s not just us out here will benefit. [There are] the supermarkets, hotels and shops so it would not be us alone here benefitting but our entire community,” she said.

With plans in train to also establish a new and improved speed boat facility, boat operators, too, are welcoming the project as they believe it will help their business to grow and thrive. In addition to being powered by renewable energy, the facilities will also cater to persons with disabilities and special needs.

Mr. Conrad Baird, the owner and operator of a speed boat plying the Parika to Supenaam route, said that he is looking forward to seeing his passengers travel in comfort. He also said he is pleased that the Government is advancing works in every region and that no group is being left out.

“I am happy for the project. I am happy for the people who live in this area. I am happy for tourism because whenever people come to this country, Supenaam is the gateway to the Essequibo and when you look at the gateway, you will understand what you are going and meet there. It is good for the speedboats also because we are being given the facility that we need. We have asked, for so long, for this and now that it has come on stream, we are happy for it. People must be comfortable travelling and able to embark and disembark. People would use the facilities more once it is more comfortable and this is what we are seeing here so I want to thank the Government for remembering us,” he said.

Mr. Hardat Narine, a businessman from Lima Village, said he too is looking forward to seeing residents and tourists flocking the location and travelling in comfort once the project is completed.

“I think it’s one of the most wonderful projects to have ever happened in Region Two for years. It is the gateway to Region Two and that will bring a lot of tourists for us. This facility will be so convenient, so nice and easy access when it is finished. I think it will benefit at the least 50 thousand residents of this region. So, this is a very great project and I would like to see more of this,” Mr. Narine said.

The coalition Government, therefore, continues to work towards ensuring that a good life is enjoyed by all Guyanese. Not only will this project provide better services and access and enhance the aesthetics of the region, but it will bring about a massive economic transformation.